Firefighters stop Ramona brush fire's forward spread, evacuations lifted

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) – All evacuations and warning orders have been lifted after a brush fire erupted in the Ramona area and grew up to 184 acres Wednesday morning.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says San Vicente Road remains closed and it is only open to residents of Ramona. The road is expected to reopen around 9:00 p.m.

Authorities are asking drivers to travel slowly and be mindful of firefighters, deputies, the road, and utility crews working in the area.

According to Cal Fire San Diego Captain Michael Cornette, at least 300 firefighters from all over San Diego County responded to the fire. By 3:08 p.m., firefighters stopped the forward spread, but containment of the fire was at just 20%, he says. The evacuation orders are still underway as firefighters work to strengthen the control lines and monitor hot spots,

Cornette says the San Diego County Sheriff's Department will reassess the evacuation orders later Wednesday.

The "Bunnie Fire" was first reported as threatening structures in the area of Chuck Wagon Road at around 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Cal Fire San Diego officials said.

An evacuation order is in place in certain areas near the fire. A temporary evacuation point is being set up at Olive Peirce Middle School at 1521 Hanson Lane. "The safest route is going north on San Vicente Road or south on Barona Road," the San Diego County Sheriff's Department said.

Cornette says strong winds earlier Wednesday caused the fire to grow in size quickly. He anticipates that fire crews will be on the scene over the next several days to contain it fully.

A Cal Fire spokesperson told ABC 10News that tankers and helicopters will be pivotal in fighting this fire. As of 3 p.m., there were no reports of homes or structures catching fire, but one firefighter suffered an injury due to the heat. They were treated and released on the scene, and Cornette said they are OK.

Many brush fire rigs have responded to the blaze, and water tenders are getting water from hydrants and bringing them to engines.

Strike teams from all around San Diego County, including North County, the city, and the Cleveland National Forest area, will respond to the Bunnie Fire throughout the night. The rocky and hilly terrain makes it especially difficult to contain.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.